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• flemo

  

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  May 28, 2013 9:49:44 PM WATime

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  Hi Glenys,

  I'm not sure if you can help me or not but I am having a really hard time trying to get the correct information that I need to be able to get a breast reduction after a lumpectomy and rads last year.

  Have just been given the all clear from oncologist as no new cells found in my recent mammo and ultrsound. Originally my breast cancer was detected from the test results that were being done for me to be able to move forward and finally have a reduction on my size 16G breasts, but now after the lumpectomy and rads have been left with one breast 2 sizes smaller than the other. I was told that I should be able to get this op done with no cost to myself because of the cancer but have since been told that this is not so, that I will have to pay a gap payment which could be in the 1000's. Have not spoken with a plastic surgeon yet but have an app, on the 30th May. I do have private health cover and live in NSW.

  I would be most grateful for any help you could give me.

  Thankyou. Liz.

• Glenys

  

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  • 162 posts
  May 28, 2013 9:59:22 PM WATime

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  Hi Liz
  
  Great to hear you've just been given the "all-clear" Yay!
  
  You are ABSOLUTELY entitled to breast reduction to the contralateral breast (other side), fully covered by medicare, after having surgery & treatments for breast cancer that leaves you asymmetrical. We do this surgery often at major public hospital in Perth where I work.
  
  The surgery is no longer classified as "cosmetic" as it is now "corrective" surgery. This service is provided in the public system, either by a Plastic Surgeon or a Breast Surgeon who does reduction surgery (most Breast Surgeons are able to do breast reduction surgery but you would need to confirm with particular surgeon).
  The only "hiccup" is this is not considered 'urgent' surgery (as no known cancer is being removed with operation) - therefore in the public system you are usually placed on a wait-list - which may have a long wait time for surgery to be done (from a few months up to 1-2 years depending on local surgeon/hospital wait-lists).
  NB: Reduction surgery is also covered by medicare if done for health reasons - i.e. the large breast size is causing shoulder/back problems or such.
  
  In the private system, different surgeons charge different 'gaps'. The procedure is included in medicare rebate, but the Plastic surgeon or Breast Surgeon may still have a significant 'gap' fee. You would need to check with your health fund & the surgeon involved to find out exactly what additional costs may be incurred when having procedure done privately. The wait-time is usually significantly less, but there would be costs involved.
  
  Hope this is helpful! Perhaps also discussing with your local Breast Care Nurse, GP or Cancer Council would be useful for you.
  
  Look forward to hearing how things go with your review appointment flemo.
  Love Glenys xx
  

  The Click Breast Care Nurse 

• Mollie

  

  • 1 posts
  May 30, 2013 11:29:52 AM WATime

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  Hi Liz, I recently had a lumpectomy and had a reduction on the other breast at the same time, so 2 surgeons working on me at the same time. I was a private patient and haven't had any out of pocket expenses........you are entitled to it under Medicare as Glenys says. Keep asking for it and you will get there. Stay strong. Mollie x
  

  44 YO mother of 15 YO twin boys, second time round with high grade DCIS, lumpectomy x 3 in the last ten weeks and a breast reduction thrown in for good measure. Just been told DCIS still present so now heading for double mastectomy. Double mastectomy and reconstruction completed, given the all CLEAR, kicked cancers butt for the second time!!!